AD/EMB-110/48 Amdt 1 - Aileron Spar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998, represent a critical framework for ensuring the safety of aircraft within Australian airspace. This particular regulation, introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, targets a specific safety concern related to the aileron spars of the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes, aiming to mitigate risks such as reduced aileron stiffness and potential flutter. The regulations are overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and are instrumental in maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure that all civil aircraft in Australia meet stringent airworthiness standards, thereby protecting the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives (AD) for all aircraft operating within Australia, including the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation mandates strict compliance with AD/EMB-110/48 Amendment 1, which pertains to the inspection and maintenance of aileron spars to ensure flight safety. This directive applies to all models within the Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante series and requires operators to remove both ailerons for inspection, focusing on the front and rear faces of the aileron spar, particularly around the push-rod/centre hinge bracket attachment points and anchor nut rivets. The inspections must be conducted before reaching 2000 hours of aileron time in service, or 300 hours since the last inspection, or five hours after 29 January 1993, whichever is the latest. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of aileron time in service. This AD takes precedence across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Operators must adhere to these requirements to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft, with compliance ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft types, including the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes. Within this schedule, AD/EMB-110/48 Amendment 1 focuses on the aileron spar. This directive applies to all model 110 Bandeirante series aeroplanes (AD/EMB-110/48 Amdt 1). The primary requirement of this directive is a thorough inspection and, if necessary, removal and cleaning of specific parts of the ailerons. Operators must remove both ailerons from the aircraft and the push-rod/centre hinge bracket from each aileron (section 1). Following a thorough cleaning, the front face of the aileron spar must be visually inspected for cracks, with special attention to areas near the push-rod/centre hinge bracket attachment holes and the anchor nut rivets (section 2). Additionally, the lower surface access panel to the rear of the aileron push-rod/centre hinge bracket must be removed and cleaned, followed by a visual inspection of the rear face of the spar, again focusing on areas near the bracket attachment holes and the anchor nut rivets (section 3). Compliance with this directive involves removing, cleaning, and inspecting these critical areas before certain time intervals are reached (section 4). The inspections must occur before 2000 hours of aileron time in service, or before 300 hours of aileron time in service since the most recent inspection in accordance with this AD, or before 5 hours of aileron time in service after 29 January 1993, whichever occurs last. Following the initial inspection, repeat inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of aileron time in service. After an approved repair is installed, inspections may be suspended for up to 2000 hours of aileron time in service. A modification in accordance with Embraer Service Bulletin 110-27-0092 cancels the requirements of this AD. Operators and owners of Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes are subject to specific obligations under this Airworthiness Directive. They are required to follow the detailed steps outlined in the directive to inspect and, if necessary, clean and repair the aileron spars. These inspections must be carried out before the specified time intervals are reached and must be repeated at regular intervals thereafter. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. This could lead to serious safety concerns and potential grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. Additionally, operators must ensure that any modifications or repairs made to the aileron spars are approved and documented, in accordance with the specified service bulletin or other relevant regulations. Breach of the obligations and requirements set out in the Airworthiness Directive may result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the non-compliance. Civil penalties can include fines and other monetary penalties imposed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In more serious cases, criminal penalties may apply, particularly if the non-compliance is found to have contributed to an aviation incident or accident. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations can vary widely, but can include substantial fines for individuals and corporations, as well as potential imprisonment for serious offences. The specific penalties depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any mitigating or aggravating factors. Operators and owners must therefore take the requirements of the Airworthiness Directive seriously and ensure that all inspections and repairs are carried out in a timely and compliant manner to avoid these potential consequences.